The next day we were off on an all day tour that I had scheduled to Siena and San Gimignano. After an hour or so drive thru the beautiful Tuscan scenery, we arrived in San Gimignano, Tuscany's best preserved medieval town. It once had a defense system with more than 70 towers, and 13 of them survive today. The more money the family had the higher the tower they built, this is how they showed off their wealth in those days. These date back to the 11th century. We had about 2 hours to wander thru the village, visiting the two Romanesque-Gothic churches from the 11th and 12th centuries and the local pottery was incredible!
Back on the bus, it was another hour to Siena where we had a local guide waiting for us. We all split up for lunch before our tour began. Marc and I ate at Osteria Le Logge, an ancient converted pharmacy with traditional cuisine, the home made pasta was incredible.
We had a very funny, energetic and informative guide. She took us on a two hour walking tour of the city. The highlight of the tour by far was the most beautiful Duomo I have ever seen (and I have seen alot of them) It is a treasure house of late Gothic sculpture, early Renaissance painting and Baroque design. The edifice is in striking Romanespue green stripes, but the form is firmly Gothic, one of the best examples of the style in the whole of Italy!
Thurs. was a private walking tour of the city of Florence and it ended with a tour of the Accademia housing Michelangelo's David (1501) and the unfinished "slaves" carved for the tomb of Pope Julius II.
The whole trip was wonderful. And I am going back with Maureen in July!!
Therese
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1 comment:
well done, mom. i laughed out loud at your comment about the many domed ceilings you've viewed. don't forget to post pictures. everyone loves to see those!!! Love Momo
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